title: Variability in protocols on donation after circulatory death in Europe.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Organ donation after circulatory death (DCD) has become an accepted strategy to reduce the shortage of organs for transplantation in many European countries. The use and number of DCD donors varies between countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the available protocols for DCD in Europe.
  
  
  METHODS
  We contacted national transplant societies and responsible transplant co-ordinators in the countries that perform DCD to obtain DCD protocols. We compared information on the protocols and additional data including: inclusion and exclusion criteria for donation, legislation, determination of death and preservation methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In ten European countries DCD is performed, eight of which describe the methods in protocols. There are large differences in used DCD categories, legislation and the way death is determined. Protocols differ in the detail in which DCD procedures are described and the way methods are supported by additional consensus statements and ethical frameworks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although DCD is an established strategy to enlarge the donor pool and to contribute to the reduction of the waiting list for transplantation, its potential has not been fully utilized yet. To further promote DCD transplantation, it is important to share expertise and obtain consensus, so that this can be translated into more uniform and solid protocols supported by the competent authorities, transplant and intensive care professionals, which may eventually result in a further promotion of DCD transplantation in Europe.
authors.forename: Jentina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wind
authors.forename: Marloes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faut
authors.forename: Tim C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: van Smaalen
authors.forename: Ernest L W
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: van Heurn
mesh_terms: D003643:Death; D003657:Decision Making; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods; D012042:Registries; D014019:Tissue Donors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods*